Submarine or submersible boat.



- 0i LAURENTI, SUBMA RINE 0R SUBMER'SIBLE BOAT.. APPLICATION FILED AIIG;14, 1907.

Patented Mar. ,7, 1911.

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G. L AURENTI. SUBMARIN-E 0R SUBMERSIBLE BOAT.

I APPLICATION FILED AUG. 14, 1967. 985,91 1, Patented Mar.7,1911.

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' uWfl/Lf 0 LAURENTI SUBMARINE 0R SUBMERSIBLE BOAT. APPLIQATION FILEDAUG. 14, 1907;

985,911, Patennea Mar. 7, 1911.

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TE ares PATENT onnron.

CESARE naunnnrr, or sena e, ITALY, ASSIGNOR r socrn'm FIAT-SAN GIORGIO,or

. srnzm, ITALY.

STIBE'ZARINE OR SUBIY 'FRSIBLE BOAT.

' esaeii.

Patented Mar. 7, 1911.

To all whom it may con cum:

Be it known that I, GnsARE LAnnnNrI, of

Spezia, Italy, have invented certain new and useful ImprovementsinSubmarine or Submersible Boats, of which the following isafull,'clear, and exact specification.

In submarine or submersible boats the principal requirements that mustbe fulfilled in order to insure their acting properly, are: (a) Thatthey shall oppose the smallest possible resistance to motion. (2)) Thatthey present the highest possible reserve of buoyancy while on surfacenavigation. (0) That they keep the center of buoyancy high while theboat is fully submerged.

The types of submarine or submersible a boats in existence do notgenerally fulfil these requirements, without causing otherinconveniences. These submarines or submersibles have the portions oftheir hulls which are designed to resist the high pressure of submersionround or oval in cross section, which makes their hull opposeaconsiderable resistance to motion especially on surface navigation. Inorder to lessen this resistance, it has been .common to pro- Vide thesecircular shaped hulls with a super-structure, whichis either for thefree circulation of water .or is filled or covered in the upper portionwith some light material, such as cork, wood or the like, which servesboth to give a certain power of buoyancy to the boat when on surfacenavigation and to keep'the center of buoyancy-as high as possible, whiletraveling under water. This expedient of a super-structurehowever, hasannnfavorable effect on the lines of the hull and has a disturbing in--coming to the surface.

The subject of this invention is a kind of hull for submarineor-submersible boats, by means of which the desired requirements arefulfilled without creating other disadvantages.

This invention-at the same time presents further improvements, by meansof which greater advantages in the Working of the submarineor'submersible boats are secured.

fluence on the, operations of sinking and 40 invention.

Figure 1 .is a lateral elevation of the hull of a submarine orsubmersible boat in accordance witlr'the invention, Fig. 2 is a. 5 5View from above. Fig. 3 a section along the.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the line w-m of Fig. 1. Figs. 1 and5 show two different forms of the end of Fig. 1. Figs. 6, 7 and 8 arethe corresponding sections along the lines yy, z2, and '0 'u of Figs. 1,4: and 5. Fig. 9 represents a main cross section of Fig. 1 on a largerscale. Fig. 10 a variant of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic View ofthe part of the hull which opposes resistance to the pressure of thewater in correspondence with the main cross section. Figs. 12 and 13represent diagram-- matically two sections, one of them in the vicinityof the bow and the second near the stern. I

The upper or decked part A, B, forms a flat deck which has an almoststraight longitudinal profile as far as the commencement A of the stern,Fig. 1, where the part curves slightly in order to approach the waterline. The bow C and the stern D run straight and vertically downward.and the under part of the hull E, F, has the profile ofa continuouscurve. If, however, the boat is to be fitted with torpedo tubes, thenthe profile exhibits a'shouldered or ott'set portion G at the end ofwhich are situated the mouths of the torpedo-tubes.

Figs. 1, 3 and 6 show the arrangement of a boat with two torpedo tubes.Figs. 4 and 7 the arrangement for a single tube. Figs.

5 and '8 the arrangement for three tubes.

The chief advantages of the peculiar shape of the ends of the boat justdescribed is that, as can be seen especially in Fig. 3, there is noportion of the boats hull between the mouths of-the launching tubes, sothat,

contrary to what happens in the knowntypes, there does not take placeany increase or diminution of pressure at the mouths of the tubes duringlateral movements of the boat, which phenomena are probable when theboat turns for the purpose of taking aim for iiring the torpedoes. Inexisting and known types of submarines or submersibles the part of thehull projecting over and-between the mouths of the torpedo tubesproduces-an increase of pressure of water on the side toward which theboat is turning while a suction takes place on the opposite side, bothof which phenomena greatly/disturb the safe exit and the proper afterrun of the torpedoes.

The structure of the boat which is intended to offer resistance to thepressure oi th'e'water when the boat is sunken, is diagrammaticallyrepresented in Fig. 11, and on a larger scale in Figs. Q'and 10, in comespondeuce with the principal cross section of the boat. It consists of ametallic framework composed of two elastic arches H, I. The ends ofthese arches are strongly connected at the points 1, 1, 2, 2, so as toform a rigid resistant system, which can be further strengthened bycross stays 3. The cross vertical stays 3 take up either the pressure orthe strain, according to the deformations to which the hull issubjected: Around the periphery of the arches H, I are fixed the sheetswhich form the covering a, b 0. These sheets can be applied either tothe upper convex surface of the arch H (as shown in Fig. 9} or to theconcave part of the same arch H, as shown in Fig. 10. In this lattercase the superior arch H reaches with its ends the outside of the boat,so that the latter is. less contracted and the inside of the hullremains more roomy and can be better utilized. Above the describedstrong part of the hull are arranged coffee dams, which are bounded onthe lower side by the covering 6, a, and on the upper side by asccondlight covering g, h, 2', this latter forming the upper deck of theboat A, B. Between the sheets a, Z), c, and the deck 9, 'h, 2', run twolongitudinal beams L, M, to which are laterally fixed sheets 0, 0, sothatthe Walls 5,10, 2, 0, form a central air chamber which is isolatedfrom the adjacent chambers included within the plates 42 c h g. The sidecoder-dams formed by the plates a, 0, .0, it, 9 are/provided at theirupper part with hatches 4., 4:, and with valves 5 at their lowest part.These valves 5 can be operated by hand by means of the rods 6.

l /hen the boat has been made ready to sink then the hatches 4t, 4, andvalves 5 are opened, but there is no communication between the centralcoilerdam b 0 i 0 and the side cofferdams. The line of flotation of theboat in hernormal surface trim is (Figs. 9 and 10) in X, Y, via: lowerthan the upper'part of arch l, and sheets 0 Z) c.

W'hen the valves 5 are opened the two upper side chambers fillautomaticallyas the boat sinks and are automatically emptied as the boatreturns to the surface. The valves 5 are suificient in number to effectthis result. The hatches l permit the escape of air as the water entersupon submerging and the return of the air as the water leaves uponemerging. This automatic filling and emptying of the super-structureresults. in the condition that the super-structure does not afford anysubstantial or material reserve of buoyancy when the boat is sinking,since when the ballast tanks are filled the water runs in substantiallyas fast as the boat sinks, so that submergence is not materiallydelayed. 0n the other hand upon emerging the water runs outsubstantially fast as the blowing of the ballast tanks would ordinarilybring it to the surface, so that the super-structure does not add anymaterial dead weight or displacement to the boat in emerging. In otherwords, the super-structure in its preferred form is a negligible factoror nearly so in the operation of emerging and submerging. When insurface running condition, however, the buoyancy of the hull of the boatis sufiicient to carry the superstructure well out of'water. In'a heavyseaway in surface running condition the superstructure adds a certainamount of buoyancy even though its valves 5 are open, provided hatches4- are closed, since a certain amount of air is thus imprisoned in thesuper-structure and in a heavy sea adds to the buoyancy of the boat inthe condition. If it is desired to add further to the factor of buoyancyof the boatthe valves 4 and 5 are closed,'so that the super-structure iswatertight. Under these circumstances a large, positive factor ofbuoyancy is added to the boat, as much in ordinary practice as or vpercent. At the same time this factor of buoyancy may be at onceneutralized by opening the valves 4 and 5, whereupon as before statedthe boat submerges and emerges practically as rapidly as though thesuper-structure were not present. It will be understood that thesuper-structure may be divided longitudinally as shown in the drawing,but that it should not be divided transversely. It is practicallynecessary that the water within the super-structure be given opportunitytofiow substantially freely from end to end.

It will clearly appear how itis possible with a proper calculation ofthe volume of colder-dams to make the reserve of flotation of the boatwhile engaged in surface navigation as great as that of any ordinaryship. The central Coffer-dam b, 0, 2', 0, remains always free from thewater, and is used for the following purposes. 1. To make the diminutionof the surface of buoyancy gradual with the sinking ofthe boat; via: toproduce the gradual reduction of the metacentric height, and thusfacilitate the longitudinal setting of. the boat during the period ofsubmergence. 2. To raise the center of buoyancy of the boat so as toassure to the same a greater metacentric height during submersion,without necessitating.

any super structures which would unfavorably influence the simplicity ofthe boats lines and increase its resistance to motion. 3. To assist instrengthening the upper part of the hull of the submarine or submersibleboat by making the resistance of the longitudinal beams L, M, as Well asthat of the deck covering g, h, 2', Z, m, and the arches which supportthe deck covering work together in support the above mentioned deck. Thelowest part of the boat contains at R, S,

I hollow superstructure above said hull, saidhaving torpedo tubes,

estp'n (Figs. 9 10) the ordinary tanks for admit-- tingand dischargingthe water ballast during. the submerging or emerging operations. What Iclaim is v 1. In a submarine or submersible boat, a hull having anarched upper side, and having an upper hollow cofi'er-dam. formed-bytrussed arches inseparably connected with the "superior part of the hullitself, and which coflerdam forms a. continuous part of the hull andcooperates to give to said hull a greater strength against pressurewhile submerged. i

-2. In a submarine or submersible boat, a series of transverse framesadapted to resist the pressure of thewater and composed each of twoelastic arches connected at their ends by rigid joints and constitutingthe entire ei-iphery of the frame, a cofferdam supported by these framesand forming the upper part of the hull, said cotter-dam beingadapted toremain empty while the boat-is traveling at the surface so as to givethe boat a high reserve of buoyancy Without interfering with theoperations of submerging and emerging.

3. 'In a submarine or submersible boat a hull the longitudinal profileof which exhibits a shoulder at least at one end, the mouths of saidtorpedo tubes being" arranged horizontally alongside of each other andcoinciding withi the said shoulder sons to avoid having any part of thehull betweenathe mouths of the torpedo. tubes;

. erateamers .or'submersible bbat, a

hull inzwliich is'an 'uppercoifer-dam, and a :cmtral sma'llerlongitudinal coifer dam inclosed in. said-upper .coifer-dam, saidcentral #0 eofiei'sdam adapted to remain empty so as to:- lieepthficenter of buoyancy as high as 'possible":when-theboatis traveling underr'vateiz: f

.'5 ii-submarineor submersible boat having a -hnll,iballa st tanks insaid hull, and a hullandsuper-structure having openings to the exteriorof such area as to freely admit water to said super-structure when theboat submerges and permit the same to freely escape when theboatcemerges, saidhull havmg such ameasure of buoyancy that when saidballast tanks are empty and said openings are" open, the hull will riseto such an extentms-tobring, substantially all of said super-structureabove the surface of the water and cause it to free itselfautomatica-lly of substantially all of the water in said superstructure,and said, superstructure being constructed to permit a free flow ofwater therein substantially from: end to end.-

6. 'Ai submarine orfsubmeisible boat having. a hull,ballast tanks insaidhull, and a hollow superstructure above said hull,.sa id hull-andsuper-structure having; openings to the exterior of such area as tofreely admit water to said super-structure when the boat submergesand'permit the same to freely escape when the boat emerges, said hullhaving such a measure of buoyancy that when said ballast tanks are emptyand said openings are open, the hull will rise to such an extent as tobring'substantially all of said super-structure above the surface of thewater and cause it to freeitself automatically of substantially all ofthe water in said super-structure, and said super-structure beingconstructed to permita free flow of water therein substantially from endto end, and means for closing the openings in said super-structure.

A submarine or submersible boat having a hull, ballast tanks in saidhull, and a hollow super-structure above said hull, said hull andsuper-structure having openings to structed to permit a free flow ofwater there -in substantially from end to end, and said hull andsuperstructure being rounded on their upper sides.

8. Asnbmarine or submersible boat havi a hull, ballast tanks in saidhull, and a ho oa -superstructure above said 'hull, said hull andsuperstructure having openings to the exterior of such area as to freelyadmit water to said super-structure when the boatsnbmerges and permitthe same to .freely escape when the boat emerges, said hull having sucha measure of buoyancy that when said ballast tanksare empty and saidopenings are open, the-hull will rise to such an extent as to bringsubstantially all of said super-structure above the surface of the waterand cause it to free itself automati:

cally of substantially'all of the water in said super-structure, andsaid superstructure being constructed to permit a free flow of and saidopeningsbeing located substantially at the bottom of saidsuper-structure.

9. A submarine or submersible boat having'a hnll,ballast tanks in saidhull, and a hollow super-structure above said-hull, said 125 theexterior of such area as tofreely admit hull and super-structurehavi'ng'openings to water to said super-structure when the boatsubmerges and permit the same tofreel escape. when the boat eme said hulhaving such a measure of uo yancy that water'therein substantially fromend to end,

when said ballast tanks are empty and said openings are open, the ballwill such an extent as to bring substantially all of said superstructureabove the surface of the water and cause it to free itself automaticallyof substantially all of the water in said super-structure, and saidsuper-structure being constructed to permit a free flow of water thereinsubstantially from end to end, and said super-structure being dividedlongitudinally to form a central water-tight 10; A submarine orsubmersible boat having a hull, ballast tanks in said hull, and a hollowsuperstructure above said hull, said hull and super-structure havingopenings to the exterior of such area as to freely admit water to saidsuperstructure .when the boat submerges and permit the same to freelyescape when the boat emerges, said hull having such a measure ofbuoyancy that when said ballast tanks are. empty and said openings areopen,.the hull will rise to such an extent as to bring substantially allof said super-structure above the surface of the water and cause ittofree itself automatically of substantially all of the water in saidsuper-structure, and said super-structure being constructed to permit afree flow of water therein substantially from end to end and saidsuper-structure having air vent openings at the top thereof.

11. A. submarine or submersible boat having a normal surface runningwater line and having ballast tanks of a capacity to submerge the boatwhen filled,-and to emerge it to said. water line when emptied, andhaving a hollow smaerstructnre on its upper side, and openings in saidsuper-structure approximately at said water line, said openings being ofsuch area that when said tanks are filled the exterior water enters saidsui per-structure so rapidly that the latter adds no reserve of buoyancysuflicient to materially retard submergcnce and said superstructurebeing constructed to permit the free flow of water therein substantiallyfrom end to end.

12. A subu'iarine or submersible boat having a normal surface runningwater line and havingballast tanks ofa capacity to submerge the boatwhen filled, and to emerge it to said water line when emptied, andhaving a hollow super-structure on its upper side, and openings in saidsuper-structure approximately at said water line, said openings being ofsuch area that when said tanks are emptied when the boat is submergedthe water escapes from said super-structure so rapidly that thecontained water adds no dead weight or displacement sufiicicnt tomaterially retard emergence and said superstructure being constructed topermit the free flow of water therein substantially from end to end.

rise to.

13. A submarine or submersible boat hav side, and openings in said superstructurc" t approximately at. said water line, said openmgs being ofsuch area that when said tanks are filled the exterior water enters saidsu-- per-structure rapidly that the latteradds no reserve of buoyancysufiicient to materially retard submergence, and said openv ings beingof. such area that when said tanks are emptied when the boatis-submerged the water escapes from said super-structure so I rapidlythat the contained water adds no dead weight or displacement sufficientto materially retard emergence and said superstructure beingeonstructedto permit a free flow of water therein substantially from Icnd'to end.

'14. A submarine or submersible boat havling a normal surface runningwater line, and havin ballast-tanks of a capacity to submerge t 1e boatwhen filled, and to emerge it to said water line when emptied, andhaving a hollow super-structure on its upper side,- and openings in saidsuper-structure I approximately at said water line, said openings beingof such area that when said tanks are filled the exterior water enterssaid super-structure so rapidly that the latter adds no reserve ofbuoyancy sufiicient to materially retardisubmer'gence and said super Istructure being constructed to permit the free flow of water thereinsubstantially from I end to end, and means for closing said openings. l15. A submarine or submersible boat hav- I ing a normal surface runningWater line, and having ballast tanks of a capacity to l submerge theboat when filled,- and to emerge I it to said water line when emptied,and having'a hollowsuper-structure on its upper side, and openingsinsaid super-structure approximately at said water line, said open-'ings being of such area that tanks are emptied .when the boa-t is' sub?merged the water escapes from said superstructure so rapidly that thecontained water adds no dead weight or-displacement sufficient tomaterially retard emergence, and 1 means for closing said openings. l16. A submarine or submersible boat havwhen said ing a normal surfacerunning water line,

ter'adds no reserve of buoyancy sufficient to materially retardsubmergence, and said opei'lings being of'such area'that when said tanksare emptied when theboat is. submerged the water escapes from saidsuper,-

structure so rapidly that the contained wator adds'no dead weight ordisplacement sufiiclent to materially retard emergence and saidsuperstructure being Constructed to permit a free flow of water thereinsubstautially froln end to end, and means for closing said openings.

17. A submarine or submersible boat having a normal surface runningwater; line,

and having ballast tanks of a capacity to submerge the boat when filled,and to said Water line when emptied,"

emerge it to and having a hollow super-structure on its upper side, andopenings in said superstructure approximately at said waterline, saidopenings being of such area that when said tanks are filled the exteriorwater enters said super-structure so rapidly that the latter. adds noreserve of buoyancy sufiicient to materially retard submergence, andsaid openings being of such area that when said tanks are emptied whenthe boat is submerged the water escapes from said superstructure sorapidly that'the contained water adds no dead Weight or displacementsufficient to materially retard emergence and said superstructure beingconstructed to permit a free flowyoi water therein substantially fromend to .end, the hull of said boat being rgunded on its upper side "andsaid super-structure being also rounded.

structure so rapidly that mate ly at the water line when the boat is1nsurface.running condition.

19. A submarine or submersible boat 18. A submarine or submersible boathaving ballast tanks of a capacity to submerge the boat when tilled, andto emerge it to said Water line when emptied, and having a hollowsuper-structure on its upper side,

and openings in said superstructure, said openings being of such areathat when said tanks are filled the exterior water enters saidsuper-structure so rapidly that the lat-- ter adds no reserve ofbuoyancy sufiicient to materially retard submergence and said openingsbein-gof such area that when said tanks are emptied when the boat issubmerged the water escapes from said'superthe contained water adds nod'ea'd'weight or displacement sufficient to and said supeustmoture beingconstructed to permit afree fiow of water therein substantially from endto end, =said superstructure haviug its lower portion's'approm' ing anormal surface running Water line said Water line and openings into saidsuperstructure at least partially above said Water line, said openingsbeing adapted tb admit materially retard emergence and having a hollowsuper-structure above water automatically into the interior of saidsuper-structure when the boat submerges and to discharge waterautomatically substantially completely from the interior of saidsuperstructure when the buoyancy of the hull brings the boatto suchs'uri ac'e running waterline, said super-structure being constructed topermit the free flow of water therein substantially from end to end.

20. A submarine or submersible boat having a normal surface runningwater line and having a hollow super-structure above said water lineopenings into said super-v structure at least partially above said Waterline, said openings being adapted to admit water automatically into theinterior of said super-structure when the boat submer es and todischarge water automatically and substantially completely from theinterior of said super-structure when the buoyancy of the hull bringsthe boat to such surface automatically into the interior of saidsuperstructure when' the boat submerges and to discharge waterautomatically and substantially "completely from the interior of saidsuper-structure when the buoyancy of the hull brings the boat to suchsurface running water line, said super-structure being con-.

structed to permit the free flow of Water therein substantially from endto end, and means forclosing said openings and air vents in the top ofsaid super-structure.

22. A submarine'or submersible boat having a normal surface runningwater line, and having a hollow superstructure above saidwater lineopenings into said superstructure at least partially above said water"line, said openings being adapted to admit water automatically into theinterior of said superstructure when the boat submerges L and todischarge Water automatically from the interior of said superstructurewhen the boat emerges, and the hull of said boat hat mg a flattenedarched top and said superstructure sloping gradually to the sldes andmeeting the same near said-water liner 23. In a submarine or submersibleboat; I

main-=hull, a super-structure above said main hull, and a trussed archforming a part of the framework of said main hull and located withinsaid super-structure.

24. In a submarine or submersible boat, a main hull, a super-structureabove said r'nain hull, and a trussed arch .ffkllfilllg part oftheframeworh of 3m and located within said superstructure, the sheetingof the deck of 'the'main hull being connected to the under side of saidarch.

25.- A submarine or submersible boat having a'hull, and a superstructureabove said hull, said superstructure having openings to the exteriorthrough which water may enter freely into the interior of the super--structure, and discharge automatically and substantially completelytherefrom, and said boat having a normal surface-running water line, andhaving ballast tanks of a capacity to submerge the boat when filled andto emerge it to said water line when emptied, and said openings beingapproximately at said water line in surface-running, and said hull whenin surface-running trim having a V substantial reserve buoyancy, wherebya masubstantially completely therefrom, and said boat having a normalsurface-running water line,and having ballast tanks of a capacity tosubmerge the boat when filled and to emerge it to said water line whenemptied,

and said openings being approximately at said water line insurface-running and said hull when in surface-running; trim having aportion extending upwardly above such water line into suchsuperstructure, where by the longitudinal stability of the boat isincreased.

27. A submarine or submersible boat having a hull, and a superstructureabove said hull, said superstructure having openings to the exteriorthrou h which water may enterfreely into the interior of the superstructure, and discharge automatically-and substantially completelytherefrom, and said boat having a normal surface-running water line, andhaving ballast tanks ofa capacity to submerge the boat when filled andtoemerge it to said water line'when emptied, and .said openings beingapproximately fat said water line in surface-running and said hull whenin surface-running trim having a Gopies of this patent may be obtainedfor five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner at Patents.

y esaeu portion extending upwardly above such water line into suchsuperstructure, whereby the longitudinal stability or the boat isincreased, and said portion being of arched form, whereby water drainagefrom the superstructure is facilitated.

28. A submarine or submersible boat hav ing a hull, and a superstructureabove said hull, said superstructure having openings to the exteriorthrough which water may enter-freely into the nterior of thesuperstructure, and discharge automatically and substantially completelytherefrom, and said boat having a normal surface-running water line, andhaving ballast tanks of a capacity to' submerge the boat when tilled andto emerge it to said water linewhen emptied, .and said openings beingapproximately at said water line in surface-running and said hull whenin surfacerunning trim having a portion extending upwardly above suchwater line intosuch superstructure and said superstructure beinlongitudinal stability of the'boat is increased.

29. A submarine or submersible boat having a hull, and a superstructureabove said hull, said superstructure having openings to the exteriorthrough which water may enter freely into the interior of thesuperstructure, and discharge automatically and substantially completelytherefrom, and said boat having a normal surface-running water line, andhaving ballast tanks of a capacity to submerge the boat when filled andto emerge it to said water line when emptied, and said 0 eningsbeingapproxiniately at rounded, whereby the l said water ine 1nsurface-running and said hull when in surface-running; trim having aportion. extending ,upwardly' above such water line intosuchsuperstructure, and said superstructure being-rounded, whereby thelongitudinal stability ot'the boat is increased, and said portion beingof arched form, whereby water drainage from the superstructureis-facilitated.

In witness whereofil have hereunto signed my name in the presence of-twosubscribing witnesses. R .7

CESARE LAURENTH. Witnesses G. Ann, 4 A. Earner;

